Monday 7 February 2011

.eek! i went to an opp-shop!!.

My friends know that I don't "do" opp-shops (thrift stores).

I really want to, but they kind of ick me out a bit!

I'm happy for people to buy things from opp-shops and give to me all washed and fresh, but I'm not very good at going myself and sifting through everything.

Which is why this post is a big deal for me.  A couple of days before the wedding, I went looking for some vintage fabric to use as tablecloths and lucky for me, I scored!

Check out the cool doily tablecloth I found - and only $2!! It is beautiful, but won't be staying whole for very long as I have plans to cut it up and dye away.  (Stay tuned, because I think I am going to have an abundance of hand-dyed doilies that I might just have to give away later on!)
And I'm loving this awesome piece of fabric - broderie anglaise - with pretty green and yellow flowers.  I'm envisioning a sweet dress made from it, or maybe a nice flowy skirt?  It is about 2m long so plenty to work with!  Again, a bargain at $2!
So, my opp-shopping adventure was successful...until I heard a kid blowing a tune into a recorder only to turn around and find it was Lil and freaked out a little bit.  GROSS!

21 comments:

Toru said...

Yes Yes Yes! lovely!!
Count me in for a doily giveaway later on :) (I collect them).
Check out my post on the doily tree. It's on my pop post column.

The Kings said...

hahaha - love Lil with the recorder! Germ fest!

Anonymous said...

Oh, Toni, what wonderful finds! I just love op shopping! Seeing your fabric makes me want to go look at some of mine that I found. Looking is one thing...cutting into it is another!

Leeah said...

hahaha I LOVE op shopping but I usually jump in the shower once I get home :0) and things always get a long wash in the machine.

Aunt Spicy said...

Right there with you! I actually take an abundance of hand sanitizer and those lightweight gloves...otherwise I am totally grossed out!

Emily said...

Lovely! I never find anything at thrift stores except awful lighting, awful music, and a yucky aroma.

Saffron Craig fabrics said...

Oh Toni this really gave me a giggle. Well done. I think I might smile all day.

quiltjude said...

ooh love the material

Jetson said...

I went to one today and found some great vintage tea towels (ie cushion covers) bolts of green fabric (ie pyjama pants, beanbag cover), lovely newish craft books (crochet, buttons, embroidery). I love op shops and most of them are so beautifully organised that there is no need to sift through piles of stuff to find good things. I have washed everything (except the books) and it is all hanging out in the sun. Such Fun! I have ordered your book from you so when it arrives I'll start a-making!

Kara said...

And you know I didn't find out until recently that op shop's don't wash anything. If it is dirty they send it away to make rags, so always wash your purchases when you get home ;0)
You do feel good when you find a bargain though.

charlotte said...

Yay Good for you! Haha I am am op shopper from way back, ok so I too get grossed out by some things, but when you score a bargain it totally over -rides the grossness.
Can't wait to see what you do with the fabric.
The whole recorder thing is hilarious also!

rachelmp said...

Ohh, lucky you!

Amelia said...

I'm an infection control nurse and so Lil with the recorder really made me squirm :)
I kind of have the same feelings about op shops ... I know there are so many great finds but I find it hard buying anything there myself. I love your doilies though and I can't wait to see what you do with them!

pinksuedeshoe said...

Beautiful! I am a thrifting-holic. I think I usually go three or four times a week. And it totally grosses me out to take my two year old. I've found that they key is to bring a clorox wipe and scrub the cart first, then strap her in, then give her a whole bunch of fruitsnacks/crakcers/pretzels/etc. to keep her hands from touching anything else. And then bathe in handsanitizer in the car. Beautiful finds though! That tablecloth is amazing!

Vicky said...

Arghh don't cut up the tablecloth I love it as it is and it would be great dyed a funky colour :)
Had to laugh about the recorder LOL

Sarah said...

ah you make me laugh (grin)

Rachel said...

That is too funny. I love shopping but yes everything gets a very thorough wash, and kids toys get a dettol or metho wipe down. Just remember whatever germs don't kill her will make her stronger!

Ana said...

Yeah, I often get put off charity and second hand shops because they smell funny (kind of stale and sweaty?) but you can get some good bargains.

That crocheted table cloth is fantastic - it looks like it was done by hand and must have taken ages. Seems a shame to cut it up but then again, who uses doilys these days? They have always seemed terribly naff to me, and never made it to my retro list. I'll be interested to see what you do with them.

ClaireyHewitt said...

Its the smell, the shops always smell. But sometimes I go looking for a specific thing and generallynalways find it.

Mommy of 3 said...

Hello,

The tablecloth is beautiful...hate to see it get cut up. I wish I could find one at my local thrift shop!

Wendy @ Ramblings from the Sunshine State said...

Those are great finds! I love thrifting :)

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